After a tight loss to the Philadephia 76ers on Friday night, the Nets looked to split the back-to-back set against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night (St. Patrick’s Day!) It was the second straight game missed by Allen Crabbe and the first without Jared Cunningham, who suffered a concussion against Philly.

Brooklyn started the game on an 11-0 run, looking impressive against Dallas. The Nets kept piling it on in the first, led by another strong D’Angelo Russell perimeter performance, scoring his 9 first quarter points on 3-5 from three. Dallas’ bench made a run late in the first, bringing the Nets lead to 6.

The Nets did a great job of moving the ball on offense, mining for the best-shot possible, rather than rushing. Much like the first quarter, Brooklyn started the second quarter 4-4 from the field. This was one of those shots. It probably should’ve counted for four points.

.@SDinwiddie_25 from DEEP!#NETSonYES pic.twitter.com/c8sdzO7DHE

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) March 18, 2018

The Mavericks struggled with defense and the Nets took advantage – just like this Spencer Dinwiddie jam.

The facial expressions say it all. @SDinwiddie_25 is doing work!#NETSonYES pic.twitter.com/XfT0QUB5d1

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) March 18, 2018

Brooklyn allowed the Mavericks to make a run late in the second quarter, allowing nine uncontested points to erase a double-digit lead. The Nets’ impressive half was marred by Dallas’ late 11-2 run, entering halftime up only 59-56. Brooklyn entered the break shooting 50.0% from the field – and committing only 4 turnovers.

Second Half

The Nets still maintained their lead in the third, but couldn’t truly break away against the Mavericks. Dennis Smith Jr. continued to show his potential as a future All Star. For the Nets, Jarrett Allen got the quick hook from Kenny Atkinson after continued weak defensive stands. Dallas took their first lead of the game in the third after continued lackluster possessions by the Nets.

Sloppy turnovers led to easy baskets by Dallas – a continued symptom of Nets losses. It was a 12-0 Dallas run – and they wouldn’t let up. Seemingly every shot Dallas would take fell through the net – even with the Nets’ defensive pressure. DeMarre Carroll sparked a Nets’ comeback attempt, with two three-point plays – one traditional and one from the perimeter.

The Nets continued to chip away, regaining the lead towards the end of the third. But like many Nets games, it was a seesaw affair. The Nets ended the quarter down one, 89-88.

The Nets started the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run, regaining the lead. They were led by strong defensive stands by Quincy Acy and Caris LeVert.

Completely DENIED by @QuincyAcy! https://t.co/bYYQcI77BD

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 18, 2018

LeVert’s strong moves on offense were dazzling, leaving defenders dizzy. The Nets continued to defend well – and produce on offense. Brooklyn maintained their lead with their closers – Hollis-Jefferson, Russell, Dinwiddie, and LeVert all contributing in the fourth quarter.

What the @BrooklynNets mean when they say #WeGoHard pic.twitter.com/ElfwhAndBM

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) March 18, 2018

A Spencer Dinwiddie jumper with 37 seconds left to go sealed the game for the Nets. For the Nets it was a much-needed win against a Dallas team that was missing several pieces.

On the game, the Nets assisted on 25 of their field goals while shooting 43-84 from the field. The second half comeback was strong response from the Nets after losing their first half lead.

D'Angelo Russell

B+

The stats: 22 PTS, 4-9 3PTM, 6 ASTS, 4 REBS

Russell continues to put up impressive numbers. His shooting initially gave the Nets their lead early. While he had a shaky third quarter, Russell bounced back in the fourth quarter, picking apart his defenders.

DeMarre Carroll

A

The stats: 19 PTS, 12 REBS, 4-8 3PTM

Scrappy. Consistent. Gamer. Carroll continued to prove his effectiveness on the wings. Whenever the Nets needed a basket, Carroll was there. He fought on defense, recording a double-double. That’s the importance of a veteran leader.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

A

The stats: 23 PTS, 9-16 FGM, 5 REBS, 4 ASTS

RHJ’s last 5 games have been impressive, averaging over 17 points and 8 rebounds in that timespan. Against the much larger and more experienced Dirk Nowitzki, RHJ had his way. It was his 10th 20+ point game of the season, a mark of his improvement. All in a day’s work for our favorite hyphen.